Department for Transport

Electric Vehicles: Sales

lord jones of cheltenham: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whysales of electric cars in the UK have fallen behind sales in other European countries.

baroness vere of norbiton: In 2018 the UK was the second largest market for ultra-low emission vehicles and the fourth largest market for battery electric vehicles. The UK is also global leader in the development and manufacture of electric vehicles; in 2018 a fifth of battery electric cars sold in Europe were made in the UK. So far in 2019, sales of battery electric vehicles have increased significantly, up by 54% over the same period in 2018. Our Road to Zero Strategy sets out a clear pathway to zero emissions, to give clarity and certainty to both industry and motorists.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Wind Power

lord hunt of chesterton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the difficulties associated with the maintenance of wind turbines and associated equipment; and what steps they are taking, if any, to work with the offshore wind energy industry to address such difficulties.

lord henley: Operators are responsible for maintaining turbines and associated equipment for their projects. The Offshore Wind Innovation Hub, a collaboration between Innovate UK and ORE Catapult, has jointly agreed innovation priorities around four areas, one of which is operations & maintenance and windfarm lifecycle. As set out in the Offshore Wind Sector Deal, the sector will look to build on existing work by, for example, exploring the application of robotics and Artificial Intelligence in optimising maintenance and reducing costs. The renewables share of electricity generation reached 33.3% in 2018 – a record high – with 111TWh generated from renewable sources. Offshore wind generated 26.6TWh which equated to 8% of the UK’s overall annual generation.

Renewable Energy

lord taylor of warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support projects to develop renewable electricity sources; and whether any plans to build electricity networks with other EU countries could be affected in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

lord henley: As outlined in the Governments Clean Growth Strategy we are investing around £177 million to further reduce the cost of renewables, including innovation in renewables electricity sources, offshore wind turbine blade technology and foundations. In addition, we have made available £557 million to support further deployment of renewable technologies through our Contract for Difference scheme. The Political Declaration on energy cooperation between the North Seas Countries – focussed on regional coordination in the development of hybrid projects linking offshore windfarms with interconnectors - is a voluntary, intergovernmental initiative outside formal EU structures. Therefore, the UK’s participation is not affected by EU exit. North Seas cooperation is an area with the potential to benefit both UK consumers and business, by facilitating renewable energy and contributing to decarbonisation and security of supply. The UK has brought experience, expertise and leadership to this initiative, and there is no reason that EU exit should change this.

Electricity: Fees and Charges

lord teverson: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effect of Ofgem's Targeted Charging Review on (1) the deployment of energy storage, (2) the deployment of electric vehicles, and (3) the UK meeting the targets of the fourth and fifth carbon budgets.

lord teverson: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effect of Ofgem’s Targeted Charging Review on companies which have already undertaken energy efficiency measures.

lord henley: Ofgem’s Targeted Charging Review is seeking to ensure all parties connected to the electricity network make a fair contribution to its fixed costs. As was outlined in the ‘After the Trilemma’ speech of 15 November 2018, it is important that we develop an energy system that discourages free riding and ensures a fair distribution of such costs. Network charging is a matter for Ofgem as the independent regulator, and decisions on its Targeted Charging Review (TCR) are for it to make. However, Government is working to understand the policy implications of Ofgem’s review proposals across a broad range of interests. The analysis published by Ofgem as part of a consultation which closed on 4 February 2019 shows that its proposals could affect the deployment of a number of technologies, but with a low likelihood of affecting measures already taken. It is important to understand that no final decisions have been taken on timing or other aspects of the TCR, and Ofgem is currently considering the views and evidence provided in response to its consultation.

Tax Avoidance

lord myners: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they make an assessment of theculture towards tax compliance of private sector companies who apply to them for loans and credit support; and whetherthey (1) have, and (2) will, reject applicationsfrom those judged to be overly aggressive in tax planning or subject to unacceptably high management charges from related offshore parties.

lord henley: Through the British Business Bank, financial support to small businesses is facilitated via a number of delivery partners who provide a range of debt and equity finance. The British Business Bank has a thorough due diligence process for its delivery partners which includes a robust review and assessment framework for how delivery partners award the finance, monitored through independent auditors. The British Business Bank also has a tax policy that is published in the transparency section of its website.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Turkey: Life Imprisonment

lord hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the recommendations in the report by theEuropean Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Report to the Turkish Government on the visit to Turkey carried out by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) from 28 to 29 April 2016, published in March 2018, in particular that there should be a complete overhaul of the detention regime for those sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: As the Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific made clear in the debate in the House of Commons on 10 April we expect Turkey to respect its international obligations with regard to prison conditions. This includes acting on the recommendations of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) of the Council of Europe concerning prisoner association, isolation and access. When raising these issues with the Turkish authorities, we have encouraged them to implement the recommendations made by the CPT following their 2016 visit to the prison. The Minister of State for Europe and the Americas raised the issue of prison conditions with the Turkish authorities most recently on 13 May.

Pakistan: Higher Education

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the treatment of the Principal of the Edwardes College, Peshawar, and his family and the attempts to intervene in the administration of the College by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor on religious minorities and educational opportunities in Pakistan.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We are aware of this case. The British Government regularly raises its concerns about discrimination against minority communities with the Pakistani Government at a senior level. I raised our concerns about Freedom of Religion or Belief and the protection of minority religious communities with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister, Dr Shireen Mazari, during my visit to Islamabad in February.At the UN Periodic Review of Pakistan's human rights record in November 2017, the UK called on Pakistan to strengthen protection of minorities and establish an independent National Commission for Minorities. The Government will continue to urge Pakistan to honour in practice its human rights obligations, including those related to religious minorities, and to uphold the rule of law.

Abdullah Öcalan

lord hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the documentary film and reportby the 2019 International Peace Delegation to Imrali, published on 25 March; and what conclusions, if any, theyhave drawn from that report and film.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​We have studied both the documentary film and report. Our position on the Kurdish issue is unchanged. Mr Öcalan, the leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, is in our view a convicted terrorist. We hope that a peace process can be resumed in the future and have provided funding to a number of civil society organisations in Turkey seeking to build dialogue between different relevant actors on the Kurdish issue.Regarding Mr Öcalan's imprisonment, we expect Turkey to respect its international obligations with regard to prison conditions. This includes acting on the recommendations of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) of the Council of Europe concerning prisoner association, isolation and access. When raising Mr Öcalan's case with the Turkish authorities, we have encouraged them to implement the recommendations made by the CPT following their visit to the prison in 2016. In this regard, we note the fact that Mr Öcalan was granted access to two lawyers on 2 May. We also note that the CPT paid a further visit to Imrali prison in mid-May, and that the Turkish Minister of Justice has this month lifted the court restriction on lawyers' visits to Imrali prison. We welcome these positive developments.

Turkey: Peace Negotiations

lord hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they made of the remarks made by Ögmundur Jónasson, former Minister of Justice in Iceland, at the 2019 International Peace Delegation to Imrali that serious human rights abuse in Turkey will not come to an end unless peace negotiations are resumed between Turkey and the leaders of the Kurds and other minority groups; and what steps they intend to take in response to those remarks.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​Her Majesty’s Government hopes that a peace process can be resumed in the future, and has provided funding to a number of civil society organisations in Turkey seeking to build dialogue between different relevant actors on the Kurdish issue. We note Mr. Jónasson’s comments, and shall continue our support for legitimate and democratic Kurdish groups in Turkey.

Papua: Police

lord lexden: To ask Her Majesty's Government what funding they are providing for the Indonesian police unit deployed in West Papua.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The British Government does not provide any funding for police units deployed in Papua or West Papua provinces. We follow the situation in Papua with close interest. Officials from the British Embassy in Jakarta visit Papua regularly.

China: Christianity

the lord bishop of st albans: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the situation of Chinese Christians following reports that the government of China has labelled the expansion of Christianity a "grave harm to Chinese national security".

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We remain deeply concerned about the persecution of Christians on the grounds of their religion or belief in China. Our analysis is that restrictions on freedom of religion or belief in China have recently increased, with the authorities tightening their control over how certain religions are practiced.Accordingly, I highlighted these restrictions – including on Christians across China – at the 40th session of the UN Human Rights Council in March 2019. I also set out the Government’s position when answering an Oral Question in the House of Lords; 4 April 2019, Oral Question, House of Lords, column 226. We further raised similar concerns during China’s Universal Periodic Review in November 2018.Additionally, on 30 January 2019, the Foreign Secretary, together with the Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Truro, launched an Independent Review of Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) support for persecuted Christians, including Christians in China. The Foreign Secretary has asked the Bishop to make ambitious FCO structural, policy and practice recommendations, which will be published as a Command Paper at the end of June.We are also aware of credible reports of the closure or demolition of unregistered churches in some areas of China, the removal of crosses from buildings, and that individuals are being harassed or detained for their religious beliefs across China. Senior officials raised these concerns with Chinese authorities earlier this year, and will continue to do so.

Homophobia

baroness anelay of st johns: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to hold discussions at the G20 in Osaka on 28–29 June on the economic and social benefits of an inclusive and diverse society in which governments act to prevent homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​The UK is fully committed to the promotion and protection of LGBT rights globally. In the case of the 2019 G20 Summit, there are currently no plans for formal discussions on preventing homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. However, the British Government continues to work through our embassies, High Commissions and through international organisations and multilateral fora to promote tolerance and non-discrimination and to address discriminatory laws against LGBT people. The UK is clear that open, inclusive and diverse societies are key for business and economic growth.

Israel: Palestinians

lord judd: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the suitability of the United States acting as a mediator of Israeli–Palestinian peace talks.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We continue to discuss Middle East peace efforts with the US Administration, including the Foreign Secretary with Jared Kushner on 10 April. We continue to encourage the US Administration to bring forward detailed proposals for a viable Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement that addresses the legitimate concerns of both parties.

Israel: Bedouin

lord judd: To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking, and plan to take, to safeguard Khan al-Ahmar and other Bedouin villages from demolition; and what representations they have made to the government of Israel in this respect.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We regularly raise our concerns with the Israeli authorities at senior levels, including with the Israeli Prime Minister and Israeli Attorney General, urging them not to go ahead with the proposed demolition of Khan al-Ahmar. Officials from our Embassy in Tel Aviv discussed this issue with the Israeli National Security Council on 7 March and the Israeli Office for the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories on 3 January. Officials from our Consulate General in Jerusalem continue to visit the Khan al-Ahmar community regularly, most recently on 28 March. The UK has repeatedly called on Israel to abandon demolition plans entirely, and instead provide a transparent route for construction for Palestinians in Area C.

Overseas Trade: Israeli Settlements

lord judd: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have toreview the effectiveness of guidance given to UK businesses and banks against trading with illegal settlements in the West Bank; and what action they will take to strengthen that guidance where necessary.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​We routinely update our guidance to British businesses on the Overseas Business Risk website. We advise British businesses to bear in mind the Government's view on the illegality of settlements under international law when considering their investments and activities in the region.

Serbia: Politics and Government

lord collins of highbury: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Serbia regarding the negative rhetoric against women politicians in that country and the risk of it inciting violence against them.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​While we have not made representations specifically about negative rhetoric against women in politics, we have, as part of our interactions with the Serbian government, had regular discussions on gender equality, including with the Equality Commissioner and the Gender Champion. On International Women’s Day our Embassy in Belgrade held two public debates, one on the role of women in Serbian society and the other on women in the IT sector. Our Embassy is also designing a programme with UN Women to strengthen gender responsive governance in Serbia.

USA: Iran

lord taylor of warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of recent escalating diplomatic tensions between the United States and Iran.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​We are concerned by the risk of unintended escalation between the United States and Iran. That is why we are speaking to all parties and specifically advising Iran – using our diplomatic relationship – that escalation is not in their interest. We are also concerned by the potential of further tension as a result of the failure of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. We are clear that maintaining this deal is important to our national security interests; the UK Government is working with our European partners to ensure it is upheld as long as Iran continues to meet its nuclear commitments in full.

Attorney General

Mobile Phones: Evidence

lord morris of aberavon: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer byBaroness Williams of Trafford on 8 May (HL Deb, col 1220), whether the Attorney General will personally supervise the review of the digital evidence consent form; and whether the views of police and crime commissioners were taken into account in the development of that form.

lord keen of elie: The digital evidence consent forms are overseen by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Crown Prosecution Service, and they will continue to engage with victims’ groups and the Information Commissioner’s Office to ensure that the right approach is being taken. A draft of the form was issued to a number of stakeholders during development, and this included the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners. The Attorney General will be issuing new Attorney General’s Guidelines on Disclosure in the winter. These Guidelines will assist prosecutors and investigators in ensuring that privacy and data protection considerations are properly considered in disclosure practice and procedure.

Department for Work and Pensions

Working Links: Insolvency

lord hogan-howe: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of Working Links going into administration on the charities to which it owed money.

baroness buscombe: The Department considered the impact on stakeholders and sub-contractors, based on the Administrator’s statement of affairs at the point of Working Links going into administration, and has worked with both the Administrator and Fedcap, who have taken over a number of Working Links contracts, to minimise the impact on those supply chain partners owed monies by Working Links at the point of administration.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Glyphosate

lord jones of cheltenham: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the use of glyphosate is consistent with plans to conserve and increase the population of pollinating insects in the UK.

lord gardiner of kimble: For all pesticides, the Government carries out a thorough assessment of the scientific evidence, drawing on advice from experts in the Health and Safety Executive and the UK Expert Committee on Pesticides. The current evidence shows that glyphosate pesticides do not carry unacceptable risks to pollinators and can therefore be authorised. Ministers have acted where the evidence shows an unacceptable impact on bees – for example, with respect to neonicotinoids. Any highly effective means of removing flowering weeds can reduce the food and shelter available to pollinators. We are taking action to provide wildflower-rich habitat through the National Pollinator Strategy, including supporting partnerships of landowners and conservationists on large-scale habitat management projects. In 2015, we introduced new and simple agri-environment ‘packages’ to make it easier for farmers to put flowers back into fields. We are also raising awareness to help everyone support pollinators through action in their gardens and public spaces, through the ‘Bees’ Needs’ campaign. The Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan puts Integrated Pest Management (IPM) at the heart of its approach. This means developing and implementing policies that encourage and support sustainable crop protection with the use of pesticides and their impact kept to a minimum.